Global printing firm Domino sets up shop in MySefton

A global developer and manufacturer of coding and marking products, headquartered in the UK, is celebrating the official opening of its new fluids facility in Bootle.

Domino Printing Sciences has moved its fluids manufacturing to a new 172,000 sq ft (16,000 sq m) state-of-the-art factory on the Senate Business Park, enabling a significant increase in productivity and capacity, as well as reduced lead times through investment in leading-edge production processes.

The expansion will also result in the creation of 19 new jobs over the next nine months, bringing the total workforce to 88.

Nigel Bond, Domino CEO said: “This new facility, located less than a mile from our previous factory, will accommodate the expansion of our fluids manufacturing capacity in line with growing demand, including a wider range of products and greater volumes. Not only will this meet our customers’ rapidly changing requirements, but also enable them to be even more responsive and competitive within their own marketplaces.

“Very importantly, this significant global investment underlines our ongoing commitment to a presence in Liverpool, continuing as the epicentre of our fluids business as it has for the last 35 years.”

At the Opening event, guests included Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool region, Koide-san on behalf of Brother and Marion Atkinson, Sefton Council’s Labour Cabinet Member Regeneration and Skills, together with representatives from Sefton Council, Liverpool City Region LEP and Liverpool Chamber of Commerce.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was carried out by Domino employees Martin Hiddleston, Christine Linden and Dave McMahon, followed by site tours.

The new facility is five times larger than the previous factory and is arranged on three floors. It includes the manufacturing area, Quality Assurance labs, dedicated customer training and seminar facilities, administration offices and conference facilities, as well as ten-metre high warehousing space. From here products are shipped directly to major customers, sales channels and more than 200 distributors worldwide.

Cllr Ian Maher, Leader of Sefton Council, said: “We are delighted to watch Domino go from strength to strength as they expand its operation within Sefton, investing in the borough’s economy and creating new job opportunities.

“We have an excellent working relationship with Domino and their ambition sits within our economic and regeneration plans as part of our Vision for 2030. It also demonstrates that our borough is well and truly open for business.”

Dave Jenkinson, Fluid Operations Director said: “This is an important milestone for Domino and everyone who has worked so hard to bring this new facility to fruition. Two years ago we held a ground-breaking ceremony to mark the start of construction and here we are today, seeing a state-of-the-art factory that is fully operational.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has played a part in this including Fletcher-Rae architects based in Manchester and Eric Wright Group as the main build contractors. We are also grateful to Sefton Council for its support in making this happen, as well as the Liverpool City Region Local Enterprise Partnership who have helped with the opening today.”

In welcoming the guests, Nigel Bond, Domino CEO said: “I’m delighted to be here this morning to open our new production facility which is a further major investment for our company, following on from the recent opening of a new factory in Shanghai serving the local market in China and the expansion of our HQ buildings in Cambridge. These collective investments demonstrate our confidence in the business, the robustness of the markets we serve and our ambition to grow our market share and provide our customers with the highest service levels possible.

“Domino has had a long association with Liverpool, establishing our primary ink and consumables factory in the local area back in 1984. Our employees in Liverpool have done a wonderful job since that time, so it was never in question where we would build this new facility; the only question was could we find the right site within a radius from our existing buildings, to keep all the skills and the team together.

“This operation here in Liverpool is absolutely critical to the success of Domino, not only in terms of sales revenue, but more importantly, our brand reputation, and our people here have done a great job in helping Domino build a reputation. So, in summary, this new building and site is absolutely critical to our future and I hope our people enjoy working in these new state-of-the-art surroundings and that we continue on our journey of growth and success, which the operational performance of this facility is such a critical part.”

Speaking after the opening of the factory, Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram said: “As Metro Mayor, one of my priorities is to attract more inward investment into our area – but that should always complement the need to retain and grow our existing local businesses. For me – Domino’s investment in their brand new factory is a massive vote of confidence in our city region and the direction it is heading. I hope that their example will be followed by other local businesses and we stand ready to support them in whatever way we can.”

Sustainability credentials for the new facility include photovoltaic cells on the roof to generate power from solar sources, and drainage of all rainwater and surface water into attenuation ponds on site for natural drainage or evaporation.

Domino recently celebrated its 40th anniversary with a special event to recognise staff contributions to its success, held at its Cambridge headquarters. Staff in Liverpool will hold their own celebratory event with a Family Day in August.

Sefton announces huge plans for English Language support

Sefton Council has revealed plans to help migrant schoolchildren get a better start at early years education.

In May the local authority announced that it was successful in securing a £244,000 grant to help Sefton schools increase their already impressive levels of educational support to migrant children who come to live in the area.

Work has already begun on a two year English Language Support project which will be rolled out to primary schools across the borough.

As part of the project, migrant schoolchildren who are learning English as an additional language will now have access to weekly support sessions, while their families will receive access to linguistic lending libraries.

Teachers and support staff in primary schools across Sefton are also undergoing additional training to help them further improve their skills to support new migrant children who move to the borough.

Cllr Trish Hardy, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing, said: “The legacy of this amazing project will leave schools across Sefton with specially trained staff, a sustainable English Language network and a bank of key resources for staff to build upon in years to come.

“Not only will this project help support migrant children in learning English, but it will also foster an inclusive ethos which our schools pride themselves in, welcoming everyone as equal, valued members of the community.

“Sefton has a proven track record of being an incredibly welcoming borough for all and this project will further our efforts in making sure children from all backgrounds have the best start in life, learning equally with their friends and peers.

For more information about Sefton schools and learning opportunities, visit www.sefton.gov.uk/schools-learning.

All you need to know about the 2018 Southport Air Show

All eyes are going to be on the skies around Southport during the 2018 Air Show (July 6-8) but are you ready?

We’ve put together all the top tips and information you’ll need to make sure it’s a weekend you won’t forget!

Traffic & Travel

Never mind watching the show, first you have to get there! Signposting and road closures will be in place in the build up to all three days of the Southport Air Show, directing visitors to the town centre.

We recommend that you follow the signage and diversionary information rather than your SatNav.

The Southport Town Centre Park & Ride facilities will not be operating on Saturday or Sunday.

Make sure you give yourself enough time for your journey. Gates open at 6:30pm on Friday (July 6) and 10am on Saturday/ Sunday (July 7/8) – the Air Show team recommend you get to the show as close to this time as possible.

On your journey to Southport you can tune into the Air Show Radio Station ( 87.7FM) to keep you updated with traffic news.

Consider using public transport and if you’re local, why not walk or cycle?

Parking

For parking at the event please follow all AA yellow road signs which will direct you to official sites.

The AA signs will be on all main routes into the town centre.

Beach Parking is available on both Saturday and Sunday. On Friday the Little Esplanade Car Park will be open for Air Show traffic.

If you are travelling in from the North you will be directed to Princes Park on Friday and the Beach/Marine Drive on Saturday and Sunday.

If you are travelling from the East you will be directed to the Esplanade on Friday and Princes Park on Saturday and Sunday

If you are travelling from the South you will be directed to the Esplanade on all three days.

We would like to remind visitors that caravans, motorhomes and any high sided vehicle are not allowed on the beach.

Everything Else

The weather will be exceptionally warm so make sure you stay sun safe! Keep a bottle of sun cream handy and always make sure you have adequate protection like sunglasses and a hat!

Please make sure that you drink plenty of water throughout the day. Refreshment stands are available on site.

Remember if you have any rubbish, please dispose of it responsibly or take it home.

If you are planning to bring your dog to the town centre, do not leave them in your car.

We would also like to remind visitors that BBQs and drones are banned along the Sefton Coastline. It is also against the law to fly them within the Air Show Restricted Airspace

After the Air Show ends why not take advantage of the wonderful shopping and restaurants that Sefton has to offer.

The borough is booming with business and it’s easy to find a world of shopping wonders – check out our shopping supplement here.

For all other info including flight times and displays, visit www.visitsouthport.com/airshow

Local companies and start ups find Sefton is open for business

Sefton Council has been spreading the message that the borough is open for business and ready for the future.

As part of a jam-packed calendar of commerce friendly events, local businesses, start-ups and budding entrepreneurs benefitted from the insight of thought leaders, successful peers from the world of business, key organisations as well signposting to funding and support to help make their ventures a success.

Organised by Invest Sefton, the enterprise, business support and inward investment arm of Sefton Council, the Sefton Economic Forum (June 8) and the Business Start Up Conference (June 20) enjoyed big turnouts during a very busy period for Invest Sefton, including the International Business Festival and the Liverpool City Region Skills Show.

The Economic Forum gave local businesses and residents the opportunity to enjoy talks from and a Q&A session with key speakers, including respected sports journalist Tony Evans; Robin Tudor from Liverpool John Lennon Airport; Rob Capleton from Liverpool International Business Festival and Head of Commissioning at Sefton Council, Peter Moore.

Organised in partnership between Invest Sefton, The Enterprise Hub and Kevin Murphy, Managing Director of host Venue Rent a Space, the Start-ups Conference saw budding entrepreneurs flock to the Bootle venue as over 50 would be business owners enjoyed “A Taste of Business”.

Hosted and curated by Kevin, a passionate advocate of local business, the event was open to anyone thinking of starting a new business or at the early stages of their new enterprise.

Attendees heard from Invest Sefton and The Women’s Organisation about the support available to them, as well as real world anecdotes and advice from businesses based at Rent a Space, including family run business Perfect Samosa, Workout Liverpool fitness gym and fashion designer Alex Meade.

Cllr Marion Atkinson, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Skills at Sefton Council said:

“Sefton really is open for business and hungry to do business, as the fantastic turnout for the Economic Forum and start-ups conference demonstrated, although the three Ps of pizza, prosecco and Peroni lager may have helped!

“In all seriousness, the Council is working tirelessly to make Sefton a place where businesses want to grow and invest, bringing jobs and prosperity to our communities. Events such as those hosted by Invest Sefton are vital part of the local authority’s role of facilitator for economic growth as we work towards our vision for the borough in 2030.

“If you are a local business, looking to go into business for yourself or bring your enterprise to our beautiful borough, make sure you contact Invest Sefton to support and advise you.”

For more information, contact Invest Sefton on 0151 934 3452, by email or visit them online